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DictionaryfrailtyWeakness
noun

frailty

FRAYL-tee/ˈfreɪlti/

The state of being weak or easily harmed.

Her frailty makes rising from the chair a visible effort.

An adult with physical weakness carefully rises from a sturdy armchair using both armrests while a companion stands close ready to help, effort visible without caricature or helplessness.
Etymology
frailLatineasily broken
+tyLatinquality or state

The quality ending turns “easily broken” into a condition of brittleness or weakness. This image applies both to a vulnerable body and to character that gives way to moral failings.

In context

Prof. Sam Vaknin23:26
weakness narcissists detest weakness and any sign of frailty dependence weakness neediness clinging
Contemptuous Narcissist (Starts 21:45), Contemptible You, Psychopath Celebrates

More examples

  • The essay explores human frailty rather than heroic perfection.
  • The storm revealed the frailty of the old structure.
  • He treated his friend’s frailty with patience.

Forms

frailty

Similar words

weakness
Weakness is broad; frailty suggests vulnerability or delicacy.
fragility
Fragility emphasizes how easily something breaks; frailty often describes bodily weakness or human shortcomings.